New Bill Seeks Fair Compensation and Accountability in Government Claims
NATIONAL NEWS
CAPITOL HILL – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has introduced a draft bill in the Liberian Senate titled “An Act to Establish the Claims Court of Liberia,” a proposed law intended to protect property rights, strengthen governance, and ensure fair compensation for claims brought against the state.
In a formal communication to Senate Plenary on February 19, 2026, Senator Dillon said the legislation is designed to give practical effect to key constitutional guarantees, including property rights, due process, and access to justice.
By: Sampson W. Weah sampsonwwesh7@gmail.com
“This bill is about making the Constitution work for ordinary Liberians,” Dillon stated. “When people’s property is taken or their contracts are breached, there must be a clear, lawful, and fair process for redress.”
Fulfilling a Constitutional Mandate
Citing Article 26 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, Senator Dillon emphasized that any person or association alleging a violation of constitutional rights may seek judicial relief, including a declaration of unconstitutionality.
He noted that suits brought against the government are required to originate in a Claims Court.
“The Constitution already anticipates a Claims Court,” he stressed. “What we are doing now is putting in place the legal structure to make that court a reality.”
Under Article 34(e) of the Constitution, the Legislature is empowered to establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court, including Circuit Courts and a Claims Court.
While Circuit Courts have been established nationwide, Liberia has never formally created a Claims Court — a gap this legislation seeks to address.
Addressing State Liability and Just Compensation
According to Senator Dillon, the proposed legislation addresses claims arising from contractual obligations, lawful takings, and the constitutional requirement for just compensation.
“No government should benefit from taking property without paying what is fair,” he said. “A Claims Court will ensure that justice is not delayed and compensation is not denied.”
If enacted, the bill would establish Liberia’s first comprehensive statutory framework governing claims, compensation, restitution, and state liability.
The proposed court would introduce a standardized system for presenting and adjudicating claims, ensuring fair assessment of compensation while promoting transparency and protecting public resources.
“We are proposing a system that is orderly, transparent, and disciplined,” Dillon explained. “It will protect the rights of citizens while also safeguarding the resources of the state.”
Strengthening Public Confidence and Governance
The senator expressed confidence that the creation of a Claims Court would enhance public trust in governance and improve discipline within state institutions.
“This law will provide clear remedies for claimants and a predictable framework for just compensation,” Dillon noted. “It will remove uncertainty and restore confidence in the way claims against government are handled.”
He added that when disputes between citizens and the government are resolved fairly and openly, confidence in public institutions naturally increases.
“When people see that disputes with government are settled fairly and transparently, confidence in public institutions will grow,” he said.
Broader Impact on Justice and Economic Development
The proposed Claims Court is expected to improve access to justice by providing a specialized forum for handling claims efficiently, thereby reducing delays and easing pressure on existing courts.
By operationalizing constitutional provisions, the legislation reinforces the rule of law and government accountability.
It also creates a more predictable legal environment for businesses and investors, which could support economic growth and development.
Additionally, the establishment of the court could raise public awareness about legal rights and processes, empowering citizens to engage more confidently with the justice system while strengthening Liberia’s overall legal framework.
Next Legislative Steps
The bill is scheduled to appear on the Senate agenda for second reading on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
If passed, it would mark a historic step toward fulfilling a long-standing constitutional provision and reshaping how claims against the Government of Liberia are handled.
